Mackenzie Bourg of Lafayette is safe on “American Idol.” Bourg was one of five contestants that judges moved to the top 14 Thursday on the singing competition.

Bourg earned compliments from the judges in Thursday’s star duet round, in which contestants were paired with previous “Idol” standouts. The singer from Lafayette was teamed with Lauren Alaina, a country singer who was the runner-up from season 10. The pair sang Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

Judges said Bourg, 23, built on his solo performance from Wednesday night.

“The amount of talent that has come through American Idol is overwhelming,” said judge Harry Connick Jr. “That takes a lot of guts to get up there and sing a song that’s built for somebody with that type of voice.

“Your performance of ‘Say Something’ last night was extremely strong. I thought this was sweet. I thought it was a nice duet. But I’m thankful last night. To me, that set the bar for how talented you are.”

“That’s the first time I’ve seen Lauren blush,” said Keith Urban. “That girl likes you. Sparks were flying up there.”